A profound sense of sadness lingers over the narrative of Jonah Lomu, the iconic New Zealand rugby player who passed away in 2015 at the age of 40 due to a chronic kidney disease. Lomu earned his status as a rugby legend when he joined the All Blacks, New Zealand’s esteemed national team, at the astonishing age of 19. His unique blend of massive physical presence, remarkable speed, and agility made him a formidable force in what is often regarded as the most physically demanding sport. Lomu possessed the strength and heft typical of a forward—he was even utilized in the back of the scrum for added power—but he thrived on the wing, outpacing and outgrowing his opponents while unleashing his devastating playing style.
Contemporary rugby seems to have taken cues from Lomu’s influence, with players today generally possessing greater physical size. This raises questions about whether he would have the same impact in the current game. However, as highlighted in a recent documentary directed by Gavin Fitzgerald and Vea Mafile‘o, Lomu’s narrative extends beyond merely overpowering the English defense. His connection to his Tongan roots and the pressures of his celebrity status created a complex relationship that often overwhelmed him. Initially, the film suggests that his Indigenous background provided him with profound strength and insight, but it soon reveals that this perspective is not entirely accurate.
Lomu was born in New Zealand to Tongan parents and spent several formative years living with an aunt in Tonga, a situation that contributed to feelings of alienation. Upon returning to New Zealand, he faced conflicts with his father Semisi, a preacher whose strict religious beliefs clashed with Lomu’s burgeoning rugby career. In a moment reminiscent of “Chariots of Fire,” Lomu expressed that his athletic talents were divinely bestowed. However, his father’s authoritarian approach devolved into domestic violence, resulting in Lomu being expelled from home at 15 after defending his mother. His subsequent marriages, all to women disapproved of by his family, further illustrate his struggle with traditional expectations. Moreover, the evolution of rugby into a professional sport, partly triggered by Lomu’s stellar performance at the 1995 World Cup, introduced a complex layer of management and financial pressure that affected him significantly. Tragically, just as his career reached its pinnacle, he was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome, a kidney condition that would ultimately jeopardize his health.
The culmination of these experiences is poignantly captured in the remarkable final sequence of Lomu’s memorial service at Auckland’s Eden Park. This event was marked by underlying tensions, disagreements over funeral practices, and the strained interactions between his wife and mother, alongside powerful Indigenous chants resonating from the crowd. Lomu, who often found it difficult to articulate his feelings about himself, remained an enigmatic figure. The emotional turmoil and chaos surrounding his life until the very end provide a captivating exploration of his legacy.
The documentary featuring Lomu is scheduled for release in theaters on September 7.
